Patents by Inventor Klaus Pankratz
Klaus Pankratz has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11486754Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for determining fill level of a substance in a container using a measuring device working according to the travel time principle. The measuring device transmits signals to the fill substance and, based on signal fractions reflected back in the container, ascertains an echo curve. The echo curve is transmitted to a superordinate control unit, and an envelope curve enveloping the echo curve is created and transmitted to the superordinate control unit. The echo curve and envelope curve are evaluated by the superordinate control unit. A wanted echo signal of the echo curve and envelope curve is identified. During the determining of the fill level the fill substance and the container are subjected to a current process. Based on information concerning the current process, plausibility of the wanted echo signal is checked and the evaluation is dynamically adapted to the current process.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2018Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: ENDRESS+HAUSER SE+CO. KGInventors: Daniel Müller, Klaus Pankratz, Simon Greth
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Publication number: 20220026257Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring a fill level of a fill substance in a container. The method includes: transmitting a first signal toward the fill substance; receiving a first received signal after reflection of the first signal in the container; transmitting a second signal toward the fill substance, wherein the second signal has at least one defined property deviating from the first signal; receiving a second received signal after reflection of the second signal in the container; ascertaining a first fill level value based on the first received signal and a second fill level value based on the second received signal; and determining the first fill level value or the second fill level value as fill level when the first fill level value and the second fill level value agree. In this way, the fill level is determined in redundant manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2019Publication date: January 27, 2022Inventors: Manuel Sautermeister, Daniel Müller, Eric Birgel, Thomas Blödt, Klaus Pankratz, Dirk Dohse
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Publication number: 20210293602Abstract: The disclosure relates to a radar-based, fill level measurement device for determining a fill level of a fill substance located in a container. The fill level measurement device includes a high frequency unit for producing high frequency signals and for determining fill level based on received high frequency signals. A hollow conductor is provided for transmitting or receiving high frequency signals. The hollow conductor is subdivided into a first portion facing the high frequency unit, and a second portion faceable toward the fill substance, wherein an insulation transparent for the high frequency signals separates the first portion fluidically from the second portion. A first hollow space is connected fluidically with the second portion and the first hollow space is arranged relative to the second portion behind the insulation. Thus condensate formation on the insulation is prevented, so that the functioning of fill level measurement device is not degraded.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2019Publication date: September 23, 2021Inventors: Klaus Pankratz, Rolf Schwald, Klaus Feisst
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Publication number: 20200209046Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for determining fill level of a substance in a container using a measuring device working according to the travel time principle. The measuring device transmits signals to the fill substance and, based on signal fractions reflected back in the container, ascertains an echo curve. The echo curve is transmitted to a superordinate control unit, and an envelope curve enveloping the echo curve is created and transmitted to the superordinate control unit. The echo curve and envelope curve are evaluated by the superordinate control unit. A wanted echo signal of the echo curve and envelope curve is identified. During the determining of the fill level the fill substance and the container are subjected to a current process. Based on information concerning the current process, plausibility of the wanted echo signal is checked and the evaluation is dynamically adapted to the current process.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2017Publication date: July 2, 2020Inventors: Daniel Müller, Klaus Pankratz, Simon Greth
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Patent number: 10215609Abstract: A method for measuring fill level of a fill substance. Transmission signals are sent and their fractions reflected on reflectors in the container and received as received signals. Based on the received, echo functions are derived and wanted echos of predetermined wanted echo types respectively contained in the echo functions and identifiable based on predetermined echo recognition methods are ascertained. Each wanted echo is a local maximum and is attributable to a reflection on a reflector associated with its wanted echo type. Echo quality of each wanted echo is determined. The echo quality is higher, the more peak shaped the echo function is in the region of the respective wanted echo, and the fill level is determined taking into consideration echo qualities of the wanted echos.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2013Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: ENDRESS+HAUSER SE+CO.KGInventors: Stefan Gorenflo, Alexey Malinovskiy, Klaus Pankratz
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Patent number: 9170146Abstract: A method for measuring a fill level of a fill substance in a container, in which, in an empty container, at least a part of the microwave signals transmitted into the container is reflected back via a reflection on a floor of the container. Microwave signals are transmitted into the container and their fractions reflected back to the fill-level measuring device. These are received as received signals. Echo functions are derived, which show amplitudes of the received signals as a function of a position corresponding to their travel time traveled in the container. A container floor echo is detected at a position, which lies in an earlier determined, both sides limited, empty echo position range, in which the container floor echo occurs in the case of empty container, at an empty echo position dependent on a shape of the container and an installed position of the fill-level measuring device.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2012Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Stefan Gorenflo, Alexey Malinovskiy, Klaus Pankratz
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Publication number: 20150101405Abstract: A method for measuring fill level of a fill substance located in a container with a fill-level measuring device. Transmission signals are sent by means of a transmitting and receiving unit into the container and their fractions reflected on reflectors in the container back to the transmitting and receiving unit, and received as received signals. Based on the received signals echo functions are derived, which give amplitudes of the received signals as a function of position corresponding to associated travel time, and wanted echos of predetermined wanted echo types respectively contained in the echo functions and identifiable based on predetermined echo recognition methods are ascertained. Each wanted echo is a local maximum and is attributable to a reflection on a reflector associated with its wanted echo type, especially a surface on the fill substance, a container floor or a disturbance located in the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Inventors: Stefan Gorenflo, Alexey Malinovskiy, Klaus Pankratz
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Publication number: 20130063298Abstract: A method for measuring a fill level of a fill substance in a container, in which, in an empty container, at least a part of the microwave signals transmitted into the container is reflected back via a reflection on a floor of the container. Microwave signals are transmitted into the container and their fractions reflected back to the fill-level measuring device. These are received as received signals. Echo functions are derived, which show amplitudes of the received signals as a function of a position corresponding to their travel time traveled in the container. A container floor echo is detected at a position, which lies in an earlier determined, both sides limited, empty echo position range, in which the container floor echo occurs in the case of empty container, at an empty echo position dependent on a shape of the container and an installed position of the fill-level measuring device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Stefan Gorenflo, Alexey Malinovskiy, Klaus Pankratz
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Patent number: 8159386Abstract: A method for ascertaining and monitoring fill level of a medium in a container by means of a field device by a travel time measuring method, wherein transmission signals are transmitted in the direction of the medium and reflection signals are received, wherein received reflection signals are registered as echo signals in an echo function dependent on travel time or travel distance, wherein position and/or amplitude at least of a wanted echo signal in the echo function are/is ascertained by means of an echo search algorithm and a continuous echo tracking of changes of position and/or of changes of amplitude of the wanted echo signal in the echo function is performed in a defined search window, wherein position and/or amplitude at least of a wanted echo signal is maintained, in case no wanted echo signal is ascertained in the search window, wherein from position and/or amplitude at least of a wanted echo signal, fill level is ascertained, and wherein a measured value of fill level is output.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2009Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Alexey Malinovskiy, Dietmar Spanke, Edgar Schmitt, Steffen Markoni, Simon Greth, Klaus Pankratz, Stefan Gorenflo
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Patent number: 8154202Abstract: Disclosed is a starter member to which a mercury-absorbing layer is applied and which can be used in low-pressure mercury discharge lamps. A starter member for a low-pressure amalgam discharge lamp comprises a mercury-absorbing layer on a base. A coating layer which is provided on the mercury-absorbing layer has a getter effect and prevents the material of the mercury-absorbing layer from coming off.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2007Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: OSRAM AGInventors: Kirsten Fuchs, Gerald Hämmer, Paul Lange, Viktor Malik, Thomas Noll, Klaus Pankratz
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Patent number: 7952286Abstract: The invention relates to a mercury source for a low-pressure discharge lamp comprising an amalgam body which is arranged on a front surface of a wire or enclosed in a perforated structure. The amalgam body or the perforated structure is provided with a protective coating with a getter effect. The invention enables a simple production process to be implemented with low costs in terms of materials.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2007Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: OSRAM Gesellschaft mit beschränkter HaftungInventors: Kirsten Fuchs, Gerald Hämmer, Thomas Noll, Klaus Pankratz
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Publication number: 20100182190Abstract: A method for ascertaining and monitoring fill level of a medium in a container by means of a field device by a travel time measuring method, wherein transmission signals are transmitted in the direction of the medium and reflection signals are received, wherein received reflection signals are registered as echo signals in an echo function dependent on travel time or travel distance, wherein position and/or amplitude at least of a wanted echo signal in the echo function are/is ascertained by means of an echo search algorithm and a continuous echo tracking of changes of position and/or of changes of amplitude of the wanted echo signal in the echo function is performed in a defined search window, wherein position and/or amplitude at least of a wanted echo signal is maintained, in case no wanted echo signal is ascertained in the search window, wherein from position and/or amplitude at least of a wanted echo signal, fill level is ascertained, and wherein a measured value of fill level is output.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2009Publication date: July 22, 2010Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Dietmar Spanke, Klaus Pankratz, Edgar Schmitt, Alexey Malinovskiy, Stefan Gorenflo, Simon Greth, Steffen Markoni
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Publication number: 20100035506Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing and inserting an electrode frame (1?) comprising a lamp coil (6) into a discharge vessel (7) of a discharge lamp. In said method, the following steps are carried out: a) two separate electrode holders (2?, 3?) are provided in the form of substantially elongate wires; b) an elongate brace (8) is fastened to the two spaced-apart electrode holders (2?, 3?); c) the lamp coil (6) is mounted on forward end regions (21, 31) of the electrode holders (2?, 3?); d) some sections of the electrode frame (1?) produced in steps a) to c) are inserted into the discharge vessel (7).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2007Publication date: February 11, 2010Inventor: Klaus Pankratz
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Publication number: 20090322223Abstract: Disclosed is a starter member to which a mercury-absorbing layer is applied and which can be used in low-pressure mercury discharge lamps. A starter member for a low-pressure amalgam discharge lamp comprises a mercury-absorbing layer on a base. A coating layer which is provided on the mercury-absorbing layer has a getter effect and prevents the material of the mercury-absorbing layer from coming off.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2007Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventors: Kirsten Fuchs, Gerald Hämmer, Paul Lange, Viktor Malik, Thomas Noll, Klaus Pankratz
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Publication number: 20090302761Abstract: The invention relates to a discharge lamp comprising a discharge vessel (2) and an electrode frame (3) which is provided with a lamp coil (33) and at least some sections of which extend into the discharge vessel (2). Electrode holders (31, 32) are connected to a glass bead (34), at least some areas of which are sealed into an end region (21) of the discharge vessel (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2007Publication date: December 10, 2009Applicant: OSRAM GESELLSCHAFT MIT BESCHRANKTER HAFTUNGInventors: Gerald Hammer, Alfred Langer, Thomas Noll, Klaus Pankratz
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Publication number: 20090278456Abstract: The invention relates to a mercury source for a low-pressure discharge lamp comprising an amalgam body which is arranged on a front surface of a wire or enclosed in a perforated structure. The amalgam body or the perforated structure is provided with a protective coating with a getter effect. The invention enables a simple production process to be implemented with low costs in terms of materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2007Publication date: November 12, 2009Applicant: OSRAM GesellschaftInventors: Kirsten Fuchs, Gerald Hammer, Noll Thomas, Klaus Pankratz
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Patent number: 7385353Abstract: The invention relates to a low-pressure discharge lamp comprising a glass discharge vessel (1) which is substantially tubular in form and which is closed in a gas-tight manner on the ends thereof, a filling consisting of an inert gas mixture and quicksilver, in addition to an optional luminous coating on the inner wall of the discharge vessel (1). Two current supply inlets are respectively melted into the two ends of the discharge vessel (1), with a helical electrode secured thereto (5). The invention is characterized in that in order to increase the switching resistance of the lamp in a cold start operation, at least one other electrode (7,8) made of a conductive material is arranged in the region between the helical electrode (5) and the connecting end of the discharge vessel (1) and one end of said other electrode (7, 8) is electrically connected to one of the two current supply inlets (3,4).Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2004Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft Für Elektrische Glëhlampen mbHInventors: Richard C. Gamer, Achim Hilscher, Gerd H. Lieder, Viktor Malik, Thomas Noll, Klaus Pankratz
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Publication number: 20070114941Abstract: A low-pressure discharge lamp includes a glass discharge vessel (1) which is substantially tubular in form and which is closed in a gas-tight manner on the ends thereof, a filling consisting of an inert gas mixture and quicksilver, in addition to an optional luminous coating on the inner wall of the discharge vessel (1). Two current supply inlets are respectively melted into the two ends of the discharge vessel (1), with a helical electrode secured thereto (5). The invention is characterized in that in order to increase the switching resistance of the lamp in a cold start operation, at least one other electrode (7,8) made of a conductive material is arranged in the region between the helical electrode (5) and the connecting end of the discharge vessel (1) and one end of the other electrode (7, 8) is electrically connected to one of the two current supply inlets (3, 4).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2004Publication date: May 24, 2007Inventors: Richard Garner, Achim Hilscher, Gerd Lieder, Viktor Malik, Thomas Noll, Klaus Pankratz
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Patent number: 6954717Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining and/or monitoring a process variable. The aim of the invention is to provide a cost-effective, user-friendly device for determining and/or monitoring a process variable. The inventive device comprises the following elements: a sensor, a measuring/regulating/control unit which pre-defines at least one event to be determined or monitored, and at least one memory unit which stores data according to the at least one pre-defined event. The sensor, the measuring/regulating/control unit and the memory unit form a compact unit or an independent field appliance.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2001Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Matthias Boldt, Frank Erdmann, Klaus Pankratz, Bert Von Stein, Dietmar Spanke
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Patent number: 6838813Abstract: The invention relates to a low-pressure discharge lamp, having a tubular discharge vessel made from glass, the free ends of which are closed off in a gas tight manner, two electrode systems (3) each having a filament (7), two supply conductors (5, 6) and a bead (8) of glass, the ends of the supply conductors (5, 6) being fused into the ends of the discharge vessel which have been closed off in a gas tight manner and, in order to be held in a region between the filament (7) and the discharge vessel fused seal (2), into the bead (8), and a device for switching off the lamp at the end of its service life, comprising a paste (9) which contains a metal hydride and is fitted to the bead (8). According to the invention, the bead (8) consists of a glass material which has a resistivity of greater 108 ?cm at 350° C.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft für elektrische Glühlampen mbHInventors: Bernhard Blohm, Kirsten Fuchs, Achim Hilscher, Peter Husslein, Gerald Hämmer, Andreas Maciejewski, Thomas Noll, Klaus Pankratz, Klaus Weingärtner